Record Collection #10: Sleeping With Sirens - Feel

I have some very mixed feelings about this record. At first I liked it, but really, I haven't really played it a whole lot to be honest.

Sleeping With Sirens - Feel (2013)

1. Feel
2. Here We Go
3. Free Now
4. Alone
5. I'll Take You There
6. The Best There Ever Was
7. Low
8. Congratulations
9. Deja Vu
10. These Things I've Done
11. Sorry
12. Satellites


This one was my first vinyl pre-order. Definitely exciting to get a new record in the mail of new music that you haven' heard. The delay in arrival because of the production time of the vinyl does suck (my girlfriend pre-ordered on CD, and got hers on time, while I'll received my record a week later), but it's one of the most satisfying feelings, making it definitely worth the extra wait.

I ordered it on the red pressing over the white. I figured white is a pretty common color artist seem to press their music on and that I'll likely get another album on white in the future; even though I'm currently at my 28th record, and still don't own anything on white vinyl. Ha. Anyhow, the red looks really crisp, and I like how it matches the text on the cover, even if that is an incredibly small connection, they compliment each other wonderfully.

As far as the music goes, I don't know; I'm kind of torn between a couple songs that are pretty good, but I suppose all in all, I feel this album is a step down from their previous two. The album starts out kind of plain. The title track "Feel" actually feels kind of out of place. Things didn't really pick up for me until 4 tracks in with "Alone" where MGK made an unexpected rapping vocal appearance, that I admit I didn't care for at first, but now sounds like it fits in well.
The next two tracks are also quite good. "The Best There Ever Was is the album's "heavier" song featuring Fronz from Attila, and frontman Kellin get's pretty into it as well ("WHA-WHA-WHA-WHAT") which gives the song a lot of energy. However, "I'll Take You There" [video below] impressed me the most off this album. The song kicks off with a really solid chorus that leads into some really smooth verses. It's just a really good flowing, solid track. The guest vocal appearance by Shayley Bourget; former clean vocalist of Of Mice & Men; now front man of the new band Dayshell; was a welcome surprise. I just wish he had a longer part, but him and Kellin double upping on 2 separate parts of this bridge is the best part of this song that completely over rules the entire album, and in my opinion, is of a much higher caliber than what I would expect from SWS.
After "The Best There Ever Was" the album drops off for me. There's the single "Low" that sounds the most like "old SWS", and a late 80's, early 90's rock style song "Congratulations" featuring Matty Mulins (frontman of Memphis May Fire) that's going to be either love or hate for most fans (I don't like it, but it was still fun to see live at Warped Tour). Deja Vu is a surprisingly sexual song which is a new writing approach from Kellin. The rest of the album is rather forgettable, for me at least.

It's an alright album. If the rest of the tracks were as solid as the 4th through 7th tracks, it would be an awesome record. Regardless, "I'll Take You There" is a musical jewel that everyone into this genre of music should check out.

[pictures from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), video from youtube]

Atlas Genius - Back Seat (Official Music Video)

Vinyl Collection #9: Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

Bring Me The Horizon has been around for a while and throughout all their albums we've seen a very subtle evolution of their sound working down to something...That something is this. This is Sempiternal!

Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal (2013)

1. Can You Feel My Heart
2. The House of Wolves
3. Empire (Let Them Sing)
4. Sleepwalking
5. Go to Hell, For Heaven's      Sake
6. Shadow Moses
7. And the Snakes Start to Sing
8. Seen It All Before
9. Antivist
10. Crooked Young
11. Hospital For Souls


I didn't preorder this album as it released when I first begun my vinyl collecting. However, I did order it once given the chance, and I held off listening to it more than once until it came in. what we have is a simple gatefold with the lyrics in the center fold. nothing too fancy. The back has the track listings, and the front the cover art. Surprisingly enough, the band name is no where to be found anywhere on the record. Not the cover, spine, back, centerfold, credits, not even on the center label of the vinyl it'self. Kind of odd. So when my grandchildren look through all my prehistoric records after I'm long gone, they'll have no clue who it is! Eh, they'll probably just scan it using their iOS 184 device and google it if they care that much. Ha.

The vinyl is a cool translucent yellow that give off the impression that it's a shiny gold while spinning on the turntable. Much like the one I got with Parkway Drive's "Killing With A Smile". This one is a bit more yellow though. Other pressing include clear, and standard black.

Sempiternal is probably BMTH's most unique album yet, and I love it. The first song "Can You Feel My Heart" set's the mood wonderfully. New innovations such as the new keyboardist Jordan Fisher just feels like the missing piece of the puzzle. Fisher also helped Oliver Sykes bring forth some new music styles including; what?; Singing? Definitely some unexplored territory for frontman Sykes who in the past, only reduced his screams and growls to chanting shouts. The emotion the singing portions bring is just the freshness the band needed, and it's more than welcome. Most notably so in "And The Snakes Start To Sing" and "Hospital For Souls" (if you happened to get the deluxe edition [not available on vinyl] an additional song "Deathbeds" is an amazing display of Sykes new talents).

Don't worry hardcore fans of the old style BMTH; heavy songs are still there and the pit will still be in action. Songs like "Empire", "Shadow Moses", and "Antivist" are all heavy jams that hold a lot of energy. Most of the other songs are mixtures between the 2 sounds offered in this record. My personal favorite off this album has to be "Sleepwalking" [video below!].

Be warned though; most of this album is based off a troubling time where the band felt their life was basically looping itself (hence the album name "Sempiternal", which means without having a known start or end.); according to an interview (also available on the deluxe edition). A number of these songs push against religious beliefs. And they push rather hard. The band has no problem displaying their personal atheistic views, even to the point where some who value their own religious views could take the message personally offensive. So if religion is a sensitive topic for you, or lack there of, be cautious when listening to this one. But all that aside, this is still one of the best albums released recently out of the hardcore genre.

[all images from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), video from youtube]

Vinyl Collection #8: Heart to Heart - (Self Titled)

Have you ever randomly found a band on the internet, liked them, and decided to support their music by picking up their album on vinyl? Oh cool, me too!

Heart to Heart - (Self Titled)

1. In Case You Haven't Noticed
2. Your Name Here
3. Life Preserver
4. Forty Forty Twenty
5. See: Sick
6. The Turn
7. Thanks For Nothing
8. Thanks For Everything
9. Stuck
10. Sleepless
11. GV
12. 300 to Life


Well, as I implied in the intro sentence to this blog, I found this band by chance. I was browsing some bands a friend of mine recommended to me, and I saw this bands song "Your Name Here" was in the "recommended" column. I'm not entirely sure what had me click on that one in particular over the other selections on the column, but I did, and I really came to like the song. So I checked out another song: "In Case You Haven't Noticed", and liked that one as well. I decided I wanted to sample the full album, and thanks to an iTunes gift card, that I so happened to remember was lying beneath the clutter of my desk, I picked up the album.
Shortly after I found the album on vinyl at MerchNow.com. I gave the album some more speculation for a week or so, and eventually made the purchase.

The album comes on a really cool Green/Black Split colored vinyl. It's simple, but it's one of my favorite colored vinyl. Some of my favorite tracks include the 2 I originally checked out online, and new favorites such as "Forty Forty Twenty", and "Thanks For Nothing".

Check this band out (video just below!), they're pretty good, and rather unknown still (at least in my area).

[[pictures from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), video from youtube]]

Coheed and Cambria-Good Apollo, Vol. 1: Willing Well I

One of my favorite (of many) Coheed and Cambria Songs.

The Gay Blades - Robots Can **** Your **** Up

I'm slowly liking this band more and more.

Vinyl Collection #7: Parkway Drive - Killing With A Smile

I was very excited when I discovered this album was getting a vinyl pressing. It's one of my favorite metalcore bands, and my favorite album from them as well.

Parkway Drive - Killing With A Smile (2005)

1. Gimme A D
2. Anasasis (Xenophontis)
3. Pandora
4. Romance Is Dead
5. Guns For Show, Knives For A    Pro
6. Blackout
7. Picture Perfect, Pathetic
8. It's Hard To Speak Without A    Tongue
9. Mutiny
10. Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em
11. A Cold Day In Hell


Man, this is one of my favorite albums, and has been for a long time. Parkway Drive has to be one of the most br00tal bands out there (yes, I just spelled it that way), and no album better demonstrates that than Killing With A Smile. I love the whole album, but if I had to pick favorites, I'd go with "Anasasis" (video below!), "Romance Is Dead", and "Guns For Show, Knives For A Pro". Insane breakdowns, amazing vocals, this album is gold and I couldn't be any happier that it got released on vinyl.

Speaking of, the vinyl come on a translucent yellow, which gives off the appearance that it's gold while not being held directly to the light. It looks pretty awesome, especially on the turntable. With this being my first translucent vinyl, I will say this: I'm not a big fan of the fact that the grooves that are most visible are actually the grooves on the reverse side; meaning it's a lot more difficult to pick out the spot to drop the needle on a specific track, but not to big of a deal. I also think translucent vinyl looks of a lot cheaper material, even though it's not.

All and all, I'm extremely satisfied with this album, and it's definitely one with which I take pride in it being a part of my collection.

[[images from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Vinyl Collection #6: The Black Keys - Brothers

This is the one record I purchased that wasn't bought online, even to this point (#19). It did cost a bit more than the online prices, but eh, it was definitely worth it.

The Black Keys - Brothers (2010)

1. Everlasting Light
2. Next Girl
3. Tighten Up
4. Howlin' For You
5. She's Long Gone
6. Black Mud
7. The Only One
8. Too Afraid To Love You
9. Ten Cent Pistol
10. Sinister Kid
11. The Go Getter
12. I'm Not The One
13. Unknown Brother
14. Never Gonna Give You Up
15. These Days


As I already mentioned, this was the product of my first visit to a local record store (which wasn't exactly "local"). I began listening to The Black Keys towards the beginning of my vinyl experience. I've heard of them several times before, and I've always liked the sound, but I never looked up to see who it was until not that long ago. Picking up this album was kind of an obvious choice, and I haven't regretted it. It's probably my favorite album among the 6 I've covered so far.
It's a 2LP (no gatefold) on black, and comes with a large (it's actually quite big) paper poster, with the lyrics on the other end. You also get the CD in a nice matching sleeve.

This album is amazing. It's an enjoyable listen all the way through. I like every song on here, but my favorites are "Everlasting Light" (video below), "Next Girl", "Howlin' For You", and "The Only One". I have to admit this record has probably seen more attention than any of my other records at this point. It's just a relaxing album to kick back and listen to.
I have heard people argue that the sound is too consistent, and that the songs blend together, but I never seemed to feel that way personally.

[[images from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Vinyl Collection #5: Motionless In White - Creatures

I have to say my favorite thing about this album has to be the awesome art work. The vinyl looks sick as well.

Motionless In White - Creatures (2010)

1.Immaculate Misconception

2. We Only Come Out at Night

3. London in Terror

4. Abigail

5. Creatures

6. Cobwebs

7. .Com Pt. II

8. Count Choculitis

9. City Lights

10. Puppers (The First Snow)

11. Undead Ahead

12. Scissorhands (The Last Snow)

I saw this album while browsing through MerchNow.com and saw that it was pressed on purple vinyl, which looked pretty sweet. Not to mention it was rather cheap. So seeing as I've heard the album before, but never purchased it, I went for it.

I'm not incredibly fond of this band. They're good, but nothing's really stuck with me. It's still a good record though. I really like "Count Choculitis" (video bellow), especially for the chant's at the beginning of it. Abagail is another favorite of mine from this record. It's a pretty solid record, but it doesn't break any sort of mold for me. I can put it on and enjoy the music, but I likely wont be singing it later.

I originally saw the purple vinyl, but then I saw that for just a few bucks more you can get the "Black Blood Splatter" which is limited to 1031 pressings. I went with that one. Having a more limited pressing makes the record just that more valuable. I'm glad I got the blood splatter regardless; it's still purple, and it looks really cool spinning on the turnntable. It doesn't really look splattered, as you'll see on other albums, more like smeared outward from the center, but still cool.

[[images from google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Portugal. The Man - Purple Yellow Red & Blue [Official Music Video]

First time hearing this artist, but I actually enjoyed the song. Thanks to my lovely lady for showing this one to me!
Weird as hell music video...

Vinyl Collection #4: Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

So far in this list I'm only on my 4th record, and another Skrillex record? I know what you're thinking, but I'm honestly not that huge of a fan, though I did buy this intentionally, though perhaps for the wrong reasons...

Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (2010)

1. Rock N' Roll
2. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
3. Kill EVERYBODY
4. All I Ask of you
5. Scatta
6. With You, Friends



This album definitely got Skrillex out there. More specifically the title track "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" did. At least that's how myself and everyone I know first heard of him. It's a good song, but I think the best off this album is "Scatta" (video below, though if you haven't already heard SM&NS, I'd suggest checking that one out as well). That song sounds pretty sick. Don't worry, I still like SM&NS, but trust me this one's just as good (if not better). The other 4 songs however don't hold nearly as much appeal. Especially the ones with the squeaky child-like electronic voice in such as "Rock N' Roll" and "Kill EVERYBODY". "All I ask of You" is actually quite catchy, but for me it's one of those "damn, I need to get this song out of my head" kind of thing.

So how did I end up with this album given that I only really like 2 songs? Well, to be honest, it was all in the prosthetics. I saw online that this album was on glow in the dark vinyl. It looked insanely sick. I looked everywhere to see if it was some special exclusive, or if it was still available, and I found nothing. Even when looking on the amazon and ebay descriptions there was no mention of it at all. So in high hopes (but with ever present doubt in the back of my head), I went for it.

As you might expect, when mine came in, it was of course on black vinyl. Bummer. I did later find a glow in the dark copy on ebay, but for none less that $500. That's rather beyond what I'd be willing to pay for prosthetic design. Look's like it wasn't meant to be.
I don't regret the purchase, but this album receives significantly less attention than my other records.

[[all images off of google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Issues - Hooligans (Official Music Video)

New song by Issues! Really looking forward to more stuff from these guys. I love what they're doing with the genre blending.

On a side not, this video makes me want to go skating again...but I seriously need a new board...and a good one at that.

Vinyl Collection #3: Thrice - The Illusion of Saftey

I actually got this one the same day as my second vinyl...I order this one before, but it arrived after I got home with the other album...So I'm not entirely sure if this should be called second, since I purchased this one second...But I received it third...I don't know, it's a tie!

Thrice - The Illusion of Safety (2002)

1. Kill Me Quickly
2. A Subtle Dagger
3. See You in the Shallows
4. Betrayal is a Symptom
5. Deadbolt
6. In Years to Come
7. The Red Death
8. A Living Dance Upon Dead Minds
9. Where Idols Once Stood
10. To Awake and Avenge the Dead
11. So Strange I Remember You
12. The Beltsville Crucible


Ah, this album takes me way back. A friend of mine introduced me to Thrice during my Freshman year of High School, and I was immediately sucked into them. He first showed me "Artist in the Ambulance" then "Identity Crisis", and shortly after I was listening to "The Illusion of Safety". Ever since, Thrice has become among my favorite bands; if not my all time favorite (such a hard thing to decide!). I can't say this is my favorite album by Thrice, but it is one that hold some fond memories. That and it was the only Thrice album on vinyl that was cheap enough for me to afford at the time.

My favorite song off this album has to be "To Awake and Avenged the Dead". Tons of energy. This album is also home to one of the bands more popular and well-know songs, "Dead Bolt". I'm going to be linking videos to both of these songs bellow; just because I love this band so much. Other favorite include: "So Strange I Remember You", "In Years To Come", "See You in the Shallows", and, well, pretty much every other song off this album. If you haven't listened to Thrice before I highly recommend it. Their a highly evolutionary band, but they've been amazing throughout. Their earlier material (This album included) is a bit more on the heavier and louder side, but over time they've entirely changed their sound. So don't let 1 album dictate your opinion of them!

MerchNow.com was selling this album in 3 different colors: Translucent Red, White, and standard Black vinyl. I wanted the White one, but it was a whole $20 plus shipping. Same with the Red. Not really that expensive but on black vinyl, it was only $10! That means I'd be paying double just to get it on colored, which, as tempting as it was, wasn't enough to warrant me to spend the extra money. Every now and then I wish I would've gotten it on White, but really, it's the music that matters. I've even seen a Yellow pressing while browsing online.

[[all images off of google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Vinyl Collection #2: Skrillex - Bangarang

My 2nd vinyl pickup was a bit more spontaneous. I ventured into HotTopic and decided to take a look at their vinyl selection. I found this one and figured, well, some electronic music must sound awesome on vinyl, so I picked up my second vinyl.

Skrillex - Bangarang (2012)

1. Right In
2. Bangarang
3. Breakn' a Sweat
4. The Devil's Den
5. Right On Time
6. KYOTO
7. Summit



I had already owned this album on CD before this, so I obviously knew all the songs before. My favorite song is The Devil's Den (video below), with Right In and Bangarang being a close second and third. I like all the songs except for Breakn' a Sweat, as I find the vocal clippings incredibly irritating.
I'd say this album is Skrillex' best yet, though it's nothing mind blowing. Mainly I like this EP best because it feels more put together. It feel more like a solid record rather than a few songs he made while messing around on his computer.

I do have to say that after having my first vinyl on an impressive gatefold, getting one in a standard sleeve was rather dull, but that's with no fault to the music. It does come with a nice small poster with the credits on the reverse side, which essentially takes place of the lyrics sheet. Also included is a download code. Not a bad buy, but nothing super special about this one; though I was just happy to have another record to play.

[all photos off of google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]

Vinyl Collection #1: Radiohead - Hail to the Thief

Beginning the walkthrough of my rather small vinyl collection (and pressing forward as it grows), we have my first vinyl record: 

Radiohead - Hail to the Thief (2003)

1. 2 + 2 = 5
2. Sit Down. Stand Up
3. Sail to the Moon
4. Backdrifts
5. Go to Sleep
6. Where I End and You Begin
7. We Suck Young Blood
8. The Gloaming
9. There There
10. I Will
11. A Punchup at a Wedding
12. Myxomatosis
13. Scatterbrain
14. A Wolf at the Door


Just a week or so before I found an interest in vinyl, a friend of mine recommended I check this album out. He introduced me to Radiohead a year or so before, via In Rainbows. So after a year when I finally admitted to entirely loving the album [In Rainbows], he told me about Hail to the Thief, claiming it was their best album. So I checked it out. I listened to the HttT during my Las Vegas trip both on the way up there, on the way back (about 5 hours there, and 5 hours back), and even during some down time while I was there.
Needless to say, I thought the album was great. Additionally, I felt the warm music was enough to warrant it for a vinyl purchase once that interest found me.

I have to say this album really set off my interest on vinyl to a very good start. Especially in the presentational aspects of the packaging. First off, it's a gorgeous gatefold. The center art matches that of the cover, but expanded fully across both sides. It was rather amusing to read what was randomly written among the art work. Additionally, it's a double LP. At the time, I didn't really know the difference between a 2LP and a single; I just assumed it was due to the fact that it was a longer album and required multiple disc in order to fit it all into grooves. A small feature I liked, for whatever reason, was that each of the 4 sides had a different color label.
Also, both records are accompanied by some really nice inner sleeves, featuring yet more of the transfixing artwork. On the opposite side of the sleeve one has the track listing and credits, while the other contains the lyrics.
Ultimately, a very impressive package for an already impressive album.

As for the actual album,  every 3rd track is a favorite of mine; with "Where I End and You Begin" [video bellow] being highest among those. I love the multitude of eerie ambient noises used in that track, and some of the others. "Sail to the Moon" feature ear-gasmic vocal highs that sent chills down my spine, "There There" has this unmistakable atmosphere to it, and "Myxomatosis" brings a change of pace just when you think the momentum of the album is coming to an end. This is an album I can enjoy start to finish.

[[all pictures taken off of google images and my instagram (@draggingtheneedle), videos from youtube]]

Dance Gavin Dance - The Robot with Human Hair pt. 4 (New album Oct. 8th)

Really like the new track. Definitely going to keep my eye on this album. New comer Tillian's voice kind of reminds me of Stephen from Anberlin, only a little higher.

Introduction To The Vinyl Community & Blogging

Hey there!
Thought I'd take a moment to go ahead and introduce myself. I'm starting this blog for music purposes only. InTheDepthsICallMyOwn is essentially a name I've made for all things music involved. For example, I have a blog with this same exact name on tumblr.com. However, the audience there doesn't seem to take things as serious blogs, and I find myself feeling like the community on tumblr is more interested in funny pictures, memes, and kittens, which is probably the case. 
Anyhow, I'm transitioning over onto Blogger! 

Mostly, I'm going to be posting about vinyl. I've recently gotten myself sucked into the format, and have begun a steady collection at the expense of my wallet. Luckily, I've managed to not blow away my paychecks by maintaining a 1-record-a-week schedule. So it's slow going, but my collection grows at a steady pace. Every now and then I'll get 2, or even skip a week. I've purchased a total of 19 Records. So that puts me at roughly over 4 months to this day. I don't count 7" vinyl towards my collection total, but I will pick these up on occasion. So far I only have 2. 

I got into vinyl after my Dad purchased one of those 5-in-1 media players (vinyl, cassette, CD, AM/AM radio, MP3) and pulled out all his old records. I was very fascinated. Eventually I decided it was time to pick up my first record, and things slowly increased from there. After my 4 record I order my first turntable and so it began. My dad also sorted his collection and was getting rid of a large number, so I picked those up even though they're not really my listening preference (I don't count these towards my collection). 

I'll likely post other music topics that wont be directly related to vinyl collecting.
A few things I should mention:
- My music interest is generally withing the Post-Hardcore/Metalcore genre with Soft Rock, and some Dubstep/House/ect. I do enjoy most forms of music, but I tend to gravitate towards these.
- I only collect records that are within my music interest. I've found that picking up records on random from the record store isn't for me.